It's an illness, a uncontrollable urge to swipe at the best Dophins Qb since Marino.. Reading through the thread, two trends emerge, 1. I think most of us belive we will finish strongly, 2. the Patriots are still our #1 target and largest roadblock to repeating. I think a great deal of our success this season hinges on Will Allen, Sean Smith and Vontae Davis, and we will know a great deal about them in week 1 at Atlanta, we could easily defeat the Falcons, but if it looks like a track meet in our secondary we will have a good idea what sort of team we have this season.
Sanchez will play withinthe game as long as he does not face a TOP 10 Defense against the run... When its up to him and his arm, its a different situtation...as it is for every young QB... How did last year's young guns do against good rushing D's when their run game did not work well??? Let's take a stab at it.... Ryan, Flacco when down by the start of the 4th quarter... When Ryan had to throw over 30 times a game they lost...completing less than 48%... When Flacco had to throw over 29 times a game they also...lost... Now these stats are just rookie stats and their HC kept them from making mistakes in not letting them carring their team on their arm only... Will the same work for Sanchez??? Does he have the right mind set to work within these boundaries??? Right now that is the unknown...
History is not on his side but it actually wouldn't surprise me if he did well in New York, even in his first year. I read earlier this year that the Jets are going to be installing a West Coast offense and I don't know how true that is but if it is indeed true, I think Sanchez can have a bit of success. Sanchez is very similar to Donovan McNabb in my opinion, post Super Bowl Donovan McNabb I mean, meaning he can get erratic with his accuracy but overall still do a good job in the sixteen game season. Sanchez does a very good job of rolling out of the pocket both ways in my opinion and he has no issues throwing from the left side of the field or the right side of the field. Sanchez also has very good accuracy in the short to intermediate routes though does struggle with the long ball. I wouldn't mistake his struggle with the long ball because of his arm strength but more of accuracy. He often overthrows his target down the field. A perfect example of this is him against Fresno State this past season I believe in which at one point over threw an open target down the field twice in consecutive plays and then again later in the game. I think the three biggest obstacles that he's going to have to overcome as an NFL quarterback early is his ability to look off defenders to create separation for this target, in which he struggled heavily with at the collegiate level which also lead to turn overs and will continue to lead to turnovers at this level of play, his ability to recognize defenses, which has been an issue in the past I believe but his coaches raved about his work ethic at USC so we will see about that, and how quickly the game slows down for him. With all that said, I think he can have success if they bring him along slowly and he has support from the run game in New York. Mike Mularkey in Atlanta brought Matt Ryan along slowly; Ryan didn't take on the whole playbook and wasn't asked to do everything that's required of him up until mid-season, which is when he got real comfortable and he also had a run game to support him. Ryan also played in crunch time situations at Boston College so I don't think he had comfort issues at this level because it was the same routine for him. That same can't be said for Sanchez and he may see some of those situations because the Jets defense will likely keep it a low scoring game and eventually, Sanchez will be asked upon to lead his team down the field to win the game.
Yeah, I think they call that illness "objectivity". I'm very curious to see how the young CB's handle the transition to the NFL, they are both very talented young CB's that were rated higher than where they were selected, I hope that they can provide a big boost to the secondary asap. The other area of major concern for me is the OL, as it goes, so does the offense. I wouldn't write Atlanta off as a win just yet, the addition of Gonzo to an already surprisingly effective offensive attack could get them back into the playoffs. I don't see that as an easy win at all.
W - @Atlanta Sun 09/13 1:00 PM EDT W- Indianapolis Mon 09/21 8:30 PM EDT W - @ San Diego Sun 09/27 4:15 PM EDT W - Buffalo Sun 10/04 4:05 PM EDT W - New York Jets Mon 10/12 8:20 PM EDT L - New Orleans Sun 10/25 4:15 PM EDT L - @ New York Jets Sun 11/01 1:00 PM EST L - @ New England Sun 11/08 1:00 PM EST W - Tampa Bay Sun 11/15 1:00 PM EST L - @ Carolina Thu 11/19 8:20 PM EST W - @ Buffalo Sun 11/29 1:00 PM EST W - New England Sun 12/06 8:20 PM EST W - @ Jacksonville Sun 12/13 1:00 PM EST W - @ Tennessee Sun 12/20 1:00 PM EST W - Houston Sun 12/27 1:00 PM EST L - Pittsburgh Sun 01/03 1:00 PM EST Sorry folks, I see 11 wins again.
I object to your version of objectivity. There are a couple of trends involved in both of those issues, 1. Todd Bowles is a Defensive Back guru, I had a thread about how teams secondaries instantly improve when Bowles arrives, and it held true last season. The problem comes into play when typically the next season the performance of the Secondary falls back to the "norm" for the unit, Bowles made R Williams a Pro Bowl player, but Williams fell off afterwards. But the counter to that troubling trend is we have basically a new Defensive Backfield in Smith, Wilson and Davis, I "expect" all three to have a huge impact this season, talent meets top notch coaching. As for the Oline, keep in mind last season Sparano had to make do with guys on the roster, this season we had the luxury of choosing who they wanted for the team, and Sparano is like a second oline coach so we will have talent even in the back ups. I'd agree but we neutralized Gonzo in KC last season in the coldest game Miami has ever played in, the controlled conditions of the Georgia Dome make me less concerned about Gonzo then most people.
We definitely have more talent on paper, but even the best coaching can't make bad players play well. Now I have high expectations for both Davis and Smith, but until they show me something out on the field, they are no better than what we had last year. And I have some worries about how Wilson will do this season. Well again, the crap to gold argument applies. For all of the experience that we have in our OL coach and HC, unless the players are able to stay healthy and actually contribute out on the field, the experience of the coaches means nothing. I'll be holding my breath, crossing my fingers and collecting rabbit feet all season hoping that the interior OL can stay healthy for the 16+ game grind. Keep in mind that KC had a pretty limited offense (ranked 25th, I think. Too lazy to look it up). Down in Atlanta he'll be in a much different environment and that will have an impact on his attitude and passion for the game, something that I can't help but feel was a big problem in KC for the past few season just like it was for us 2 years ago. And the cold doesn't just hurt the Phins, all of the players have to deal with it.
I don't think there will be any easy win this year (for the Dolphins that is) at all... Will the critics downplay the performance if they win at least 10 games??? I would bet that, that ole story about SOS being more often wrong than right would take the lead... How this team plays (performs), as a whole, against the likes of NE, Pit, and Indi will have more to say than the performances against Atl, SD, Car, and Tenn IMHO...Why??? Because over the last 6 years NE, Indi and Pit have made past the 1st round of the PS at least 3 times (3 out of 6)... SD...twice in 6 years... Atl...once in 6 years... Car...twice in 6 years... Tenn...once in 6 years... An good team can make it to the post season with a winning record for sure, but can they get past the first round??? We know how it worked out for us last year...we were good, but still missing pieces...those pieces were keys and are very important keys to get to the next level... have we improved this year??? We will know that in January 2010...for sure....
Not to steer the thread...but Sanchez had only one year as a stater in college if I am not mistaken... Flacco had at least 2 years and so did Matt Ryan... What Sanchez lacks is experience, something the other young guys had more of before heading to the NFL... Could this lack of experience affect his game???
There's no question that the games against the Pats, Colts and Steelers will be the best barometer as to how much we've improved. But a team like Atlanta has made moves to improve from last year and I think the Gonzo pickup is huge for them. It gives Ryan a safety net that he can take advantage of during a game, something that is invaluable to a QB, but especially young QB's. And we better win against the Steelers or else I'll have to listen to my brother yappin' his gums. Well that's the million dollar question, experience is a major question mark for him. How the Jets use him will be the key, if they use him the way that the Jets fan described, only being asked to make smart passes and allow the running game to take charge, then I think he might do well. He has talent, it's just his readiness that I question.
Is water wet? Until we defeat the Pats consistently we will always be a back page blurb, that is the way it is. Depends 'Nard, there are several players who are in their last hurrah with the dolphins, if the theory that a Veteran Team has a better chance to advance, then this is our opportunity, players like Pennington, Ricky, JT, Roth (maybe) Fergie, DMart Ronnie, this is their opportunity to both make the playoffs and advance into the second round, something we have not done in over a decade. To me, we have a chance to be a great team this season, maybe a AFC Championship Game type of team, "if" Penny stays healthy and 'if" JT,JP and Wake do a 2007 Giants type of pass rush. JT,JP,Wake, and the defensive backs hold the keys to our season, if they shine, we will shock the NFL, if they are mediocre, we will be lucky to make the playoffs.
Didn't you say we need to look past the whole Rookie Qb thing? Now your saying if Pennington goes down so do the Dolphins? You do know that there is an even more proven (in College) Qb than Sanchez on the Dolphins roster right? One that has been in the league for a season, and was a doing very well as a Rookie.. Then you say your defense will be the reason for the sweep. Like the Dolphins defense is sooo much worse than New Jorks.... I know you said you'll probably get some flack for it but it's kind of deserved when you post wearing nothing but those puke green glasses.
You know the Vegas odds favor the Jets in both games right.......... it's not just my glasses, sorry to burst your bubble.
I'm hoping we can catch Atlanta still clearing the cobwebs, to start the season off with a victory, and two weeks later, exploiting a weakness somewhere along San Diego for a second win. Whether we play into December, I believe more than usual, will depend greatly upon our performance in divisional matchups, as this year I see them as not only the most important, but the most winnable. While sweeping the East is hardly anything to expect, if we drop one against NE, but beat Tampa Bay at home, and win a tough, late season brawler against Jacksonville, that gets us to 9-7, and that much I feel confident about.
Come on PS... Look don't leave yourself open, there are many guys and gals here with a good sense of humor... Let me just say that what happens in Vegas...stays in Vegas... Vegas has to make money right??? Miami was a real long shot by Vegas odds last year to win more than 4 games... OMG Vegas was wrong last year...do you believe that... and as you said... You want to make money... play the long shot... cause Vegas makes its money when you play it short... and as you know Vegas made a lot of money on the Dolphins last year... mostly on those betting against them... Vegas predicted the Jets to win around 10 games in 2007- Actual record, as you know....4-12... Vegas predited the Jets to win around 12 games in 2008- Actual record as you know...9-7... and it won't be the last time Vegas was wrong...or were they???
@Atlanta Sun 09/13 1:00 PM EDT Indianapolis Mon 09/21 8:30 PM EDT @ San Diego Sun 09/27 4:15 PM EDT Buffalo Sun 10/04 4:05 PM EDT New York Jets Mon 10/12 8:20 PM EDT New Orleans Sun 10/25 4:15 PM EDT @ New York Jets Sun 11/01 1:00 PM EST @ New England Sun 11/08 1:00 PM EST Tampa Bay Sun 11/15 1:00 PM EST @ Carolina Thu 11/19 8:20 PM EST Buffalo Sun 11/29 1:00 PM EST New England Sun 12/06 8:20 PM EST @ Jacksonville Sun 12/13 1:00 PM EST @ Tennessee Sun 12/20 1:00 PM EST Houston Sun 12/27 1:00 PM EST Pittsburgh Sun 01/03 1:00 PM EST
@Atlanta Sun 09/13 1:00 PM EDT Indianapolis Mon 09/21 8:30 PM EDT @ San Diego Sun 09/27 4:15 PM EDT Buffalo Sun 10/04 4:05 PM EDT New York Jets Mon 10/12 8:20 PM EDT New Orleans Sun 10/25 4:15 PM EDT @ New York Jets Sun 11/01 1:00 PM EST @ New England Sun 11/08 1:00 PM EST Tampa Bay Sun 11/15 1:00 PM EST @ Carolina Thu 11/19 8:20 PM EST @ Buffalo Sun 11/29 1:00 PM EST New England Sun 12/06 8:20 PM EST @ Jacksonville Sun 12/13 1:00 PM EST @ Tennessee Sun 12/20 1:00 PM EST Houston Sun 12/27 1:00 PM EST Pittsburgh Sun 01/03 1:00 PM EST
What bubble of mine could you be possibly be bursting? You were the one making all these bold predictions without using any kind of unbiased merit system. I predicted nothing except the color glasses you wear. Also you do realize that Vegas puts the odds where they think will net the most money and bets. You can bet that by putting an NFL team who was CLEARLY better last season as the underdog in June or July it will bring plenty of action the other way right? Anywho.....
In theory, this sounds great. In reality, you cannot hide your QB throughout an NFL season. He's playing the most important position on the field and there WILL be times this season when he's asked to orchestrate a drive late in the 4th quarter or convert a crucial 4th and long.
We can just as easily win all 6 div games as not. Not that we will but we're entirely capable of doing it w/o it being a "reach", so to speak. Houston, Jax,TB, NO and Car. Actually, the only 2 games that I don't really see as likely to be won is IND and Pitt. our best chance against Indy is to be in Peyton's face, each and every play and we stand a reasonably good chance. Pitt is another matter and just too many things have to align properly before I could put that one in the bag.
Sure you can, but you need a very good running game in order to do it. If the Jets can control the ball on the ground and wear out opposing defenses, all Sanchez will need to do is make the occasional pass to keep defenses honest. Every team is going to find themselves in a spot where the QB needs to step up, the Jets won't be any different and Sanchez will get an opportunity to either sink or swim. But in general, all he'll be asked to do is make the occasion safe pass and he can let his runningbacks do the grunt work.
Thought it would be fun to bump this old thread to see whose predictions are the closest to what has happened.
Realistically, I see 4 more tops, unless the planets all align properly across the entire universe. That's not a guaranteed 4 more wins, just 4 that we could win. NE and Pitt probably being the toughest. But if I was going to bet on the rest of the scedule, I'd go with 3-3.
Dunno De, we appearing to be gelling at the right time. And if there is one thing I've learned it is not to try and predict what the Sparano Phins cannot accomplish, to me we could easily run the table. Take care of the Bills of course, then the pats rematch at home, I rewatched that game last night and it struck me how much our passing game has improved since then.
i hope you are right. We usually handle the Pats better than most teams do. My main concern right now is with Ronnie bbeing out, coupled with our lax passing attack, I'm just trying to keep things real, in my own mind. But we did runt the table at one point last year and talent wise, we could again. but right at the moment, i don't think our talent is really playing all that well together. But I will say this right now, if we come out and throw 2-3 longer than has ever been throw balls to Ginn and if he catches just one, then that will make everyone else really back off the line and let our run gm get better than it already is. We do that and i'll say yup, the division is ours. Happy Thanksgiving, Brother !!!
Happy Thanksgiving Bro... The track meet in the secondary has been dealt with, now when we give up a long play it is more than likely one of the Rookie Cb's are beaten deep or for a long gain, if we play Wake more with Roth gone, our passrush will help more than it has been helping.
Happy turkey day my brother.. I will not waver on 10 and 6... The will, the conditioning, "THATS WHY YOU LIFT ALL THEM DAMN WEIGHTS IN THE OFFSEASON".. The offseason mentality of our team, the disipline they have, the ability to outwork everyone else, is now paying off, this was the main factor in my 10 and 6...I watched how unity and hunger won in the NFL last year over talent.... This team is getting better during the middle of the season...were a very well coached football team, that has an identity...Our strength is in our oline and backs, our qb is perfect to play off that strength, he's a leader, and the game is slowing down for him.. Our receivers have calibrated his velocity, and the black demon has no idea how big, how strong, or how fast he really is. And i really like the look of our defense at this point...the lessons were plenty in big game situations...this allowed us to fight thru the growing pains, and look at us now, right in the middle of this mother grabber, while knowing in the back of our minds, even though we were coming together as a team, we still beat up some of the best teams in the league... Were no longer coming together..were here, and are getting better.
And Rhodes just was benched! Hear ya Dj, Bro, they are recapping the Giants 1990 SB season and the parallels between Ricky Williams and Ottis Anderson are eerie. I do think we are coming together at the right time, and even better a new player steps up and surprises every week..Nate Garner playing 3 positions and we still win the game? Ted Ginn jr takes two kickoffs back for TD's? the defense swarms Freeman? Ricky Williams scores 3 TD's one receiving, one running and one as the WC Qb? Now Soliai has to step up at NT for Fergie, make no mistake Dj, the Bills game is a large moment in this season, if Soliai mans NT as well as Fergie did, plus the pass rush dimension he offers, we will see a really fun couple of games. Each week a different way to win, that is a part of the reason why 10-6 is ceratinly obtainable, but it should be noted no one thought we would start out 0-3...not a soul...
@Atlanta Sun 09/13 1:00 PM EDT Indianapolis Mon 09/21 8:30 PM EDT @ San Diego Sun 09/27 4:15 PM EDT Buffalo Sun 10/04 4:05 PM EDT New York Jets Mon 10/12 8:20 PM EDT New Orleans Sun 10/25 4:15 PM EDT @ New York Jets Sun 11/01 1:00 PM EST @ New England Sun 11/08 1:00 PM EST Tampa Bay Sun 11/15 1:00 PM EST @ Carolina Thu 11/19 8:20 PM EST @ Buffalo Sun 11/29 1:00 PM EST New England Sun 12/06 8:20 PM EST @ Jacksonville Sun 12/13 1:00 PM EST @ Tennessee Sun 12/20 1:00 PM EST Houston Sun 12/27 1:00 PM EST Pittsburgh Sun 01/03 1:00 PM ES I see those as wins----you count them, lol.
it got close a couple times, but never officially went on..... Can't put it on unless i know my team is out of it....if we can get the next 2, which i dont find farfetched with this team, were gonna be seriously stoked about our present team....
only the NE game worries me .... defense needs to step up big time ... i see no reason to lose any of the other games ... so 10-6 seems perfectly attainable
